Post-Thanksgiving Report 2021
In this article:
Since the start of the basketball season, I have been able to see 10 of the top 20 players in the class of 2021 plus 23 others in the top 137. Each player that I saw did not disappoint, however…
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Continue ReadingSince the start of the basketball season, I have been able to see 10 of the top 20 players in the class of 2021 plus 23 others in the top 137. Each player that I saw did not disappoint, however some over delivered by showing improvements in their games. In this first article, I will delve into what I saw on display with those in the top 20.
Derrick Tezeno Derrick Tezeno 6'5" | SF North Central | 2021 State LA 6’5″ N. Central Wing
The Louisiana Prep Hoops top-ranked player played strong in his outing against rising upstart McMain. He rebounded well in traffic, was able to take bumps on the drive and finish. However, he will need more in his offensive arsenal to legitimately hold on to the #1 spot in my opinion. In addition, is he a shooting guard or an undersized small forward? The competition for the crown is closer than one may think.
Carlos Stewart Carlos Stewart 6'1" | CG Dunham | 2021 State LA 6’1″ Dunham PG
The scoring guard looked good when I saw him against Calvary Baptist out of Shreveport. He had a superstar performance scoring 44 points and could have had 50 with a few friendly bounces. Stewart was hitting shots from 23 ft and beyond, obliterating transition defense with his speed, and finishing strong and above the rim. Having previously held the crown as king of Louisiana basketball he seems determined to get it back, especially with a possible matchup against Tezeno in the Hamilton tourney. We will be watching.
Daniel Ortiz Daniel Ortiz 6'1" | CG Calvary Baptist | 2021 State LA 6’1″ Calvary PG
Ortiz is blending in well with his new squad. Yet that may be an issue. Having watched him in a matchup against Carlos Stewart’s Dunham squad, Ortiz will have to bring more of his flavor to the team if they are to contend with Crescent City and Southern Lab. The 3-point specialist mixed it up and kept his team in the game against Dunham when it looked like all hope was lost. Ortiz has no more than an outside chance at the crown but does have a better chance at the trophy if he picks it up.
Jamond Vincent Jamond Vincent 6'2" | SG Landry-Walker | 2021 State LA 6’2″ Landry Wing
Vincent is a unique player in the sense of his skill set and athleticism. He doesn’t allow what he’s not proficient at interfere with giving his team a chance to win. I’ve had a chance to watch him twice this season, and he has played with an edge imposing his will upon the game. He has ripped the heart out of opponents with his vicious and creative dunks. Has a chance of rising if performances stay consistent or higher?
Will Allen Will Allen 6'7" | PF Bonnabel | 2021 State LA 6’6″ Bonnabel PF
Allen has shown teammates dependability and ensured opponents it’s going to be a battle in the lane. You cannot be afraid of contact or take a cavalier approach to rebounding when matched against Allen or he will take your lunch. Scoring at an efficient clip maybe he should be the focus a little more to make games easier for the Bruins.
Claudell Harris Claudell Harris 6'3" | CG Hahnville | 2021 State LA Jr 6’3″ Hahnville CG
If the new rankings came out today and Harris was not in the top 6, I would ask for a recount or declare a mistrial based on an unfit jury. Harris has improved!!! He’s now more explosive and has the swagger of a confident player. Already a kid who is wired to score effectively at all three levels, his newfound attitude makes him a serious threat to the throne. There are two games in December that will determine how serious of a threat he is 12th New Iberia and 19th Dunham.
JonQuarius McGhee JonQuarius McGhee 6'3" | CG Opelousas | 2021 State LA 6’3″ Opelousas CG
The Pride of St. Landry parish McGhee has really made a name for himself throughout Louisiana this summer. I had the pleasure of seeing him against St. Aug in the Festgiving tournament and he was in kill mode. One observer compared him to Westbrook due to his speed and ability to attack the basket and brutalize the rim. If that wasn’t enough McGhee’s on-ball and off-ball anticipation make him the highly prized two-way player. Opelousas has a schedule that is filled with enough tough teams and players that will help expand McGhee’s resume. Right now, I stamp him certified box office and a top 5 player.
Avontez Ledet Avontez Ledet 6'3" | CG Cecilia | 2021 State LA 6’3″ Cecilia CG
The combo guard from Cecelia is a bucket. Under evaluated would be an understatement. It’s hard to believe 16 players better than Ledet in the 2021 class. Ledet’s performance against East St. John served notice that his season-ending performance was no fluke. The righty going left is lethal on his floater or pull up. Goes downhill well off the weave, ball screen, or handoff with the ability to pull-up for 3 or the midrange. All of these traits translate well on the next level. Improvements on defense and the weight room will ensure early contributions at Lamar University.
Brandon Harton Brandon Harton 6'4" | SF Jehovah-Jireh | 2021 State LA 6’4″ Jehova Jireh F
The old school lefty forward is very energetic and crafty. In watching his performance against Cox during Festgiving he was a nightmare for the coaching staff and whoever was guarding him. He either beat players to the rebound or had his way scoring from the high and low post. And if that wasn’t problem enough, he swatted a few shots on defense. A lack of touches allowed Cox to pull away. Harton gives his team a chance to win every night if given the opportunity.